Crossword Genius

Mischievous child learning to beg (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implore

'beg' is the definition.
('implore' can be a synonym of 'beg')

'mischievous child learning' is the wordplay.
'mischievous child' becomes 'imp' (I've seen this before).
'learning' becomes 'lore' (I've seen this before).
'imp'+'lore'='IMPLORE'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for implore that I've seen before include "Ask earnestly" , "Beg earnestly, entreat" , "Beg desperately" , "Beg earnestly, plead" , "Beg earnestly, beseech" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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